LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton appeared in court on Wednesday charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The 25-year-old England footballer was arrested in the early hours of December 27, after an evening out with friends and family the night before.

Barton appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court alongside his brother Andrew Barton, 19, and Nadine Wilson, 27.

Andrew Barton, who is also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and Wilson, who faces charges of common assault and affray, were arrested alongside Barton following a visit to a McDonald's restaurant in Liverpool city centre.

All three have been bailed and will reappear at Liverpool Crown Court on April 23 for a plea and case management hearing.

For several weeks after his initial arrest Barton came under the care of former England international Tony Adams's Sporting Chance clinic for his problems with alcohol as part of his strict bail conditions.

He returned to action with Newcastle on January 29.

But he has been powerless to end the north-east club's terrible run of form, extended to 12 games without a league win after their 3-0 defeat away to Liverpool on Saturday, which has left Newcastle just three points above the relegation zone.